Broadcast transition channel

ABSTRACT

A distribution system and reception apparatus, and methods thereof, are provided for broadcasting and receiving a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels. The system includes at least one receiver and a transmitter. The at least one receiver is configured to receive the plurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcast providers. The transmitter is configured to broadcast the plurality of first services over the transition broadcast channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalapplication No. 61/733,242, filed Dec. 4, 2012, the entire contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments described herein relate generally to broadcast services.More particularly, embodiments described herein relate generally totransitioning to broadcasting services that are not backwardscompatible.

2. Background

Modern televisions and set top boxes are capable of receiving broadcasttelevision services. However, due to limitations in wireless spectrumavailability, broadcast television service providers may not havesufficient spectrum to provide new services that are not backwardscompatible while maintaining the availability of existing services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda distribution system configured to broadcast a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels. The system includesat least one receiver and a transmitter. The at least one receiver isconfigured to receive the plurality of first services from the pluralityof different broadcast providers. The transmitter is configured tobroadcast the plurality of first services over the transition broadcastchannel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda reception apparatus configured to receive a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels. The receptionapparatus includes an input interface, a tuner, a decoder, and a displayinterface. The input interface is configured to receive a selection ofone of the plurality of first services broadcast via the transitionbroadcast channel. The tuner is configured to tune to the transitionbroadcast channel. The decoder is configured to decode the selected oneof the plurality of first services on the tuned transition broadcastchannel. The display interface is configured to output the selected oneof the plurality of first services on the transition broadcast channelfor display.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda method of a distribution system configured to broadcast a plurality offirst services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels. The method includesreceiving, by at least one receiver, the plurality of first servicesfrom the plurality of different broadcast providers. A transmitterbroadcasts the plurality of first services over the transition broadcastchannel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda method of a reception apparatus configured to receive a plurality offirst services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels. The method includesreceiving, by an input interface, a selection of one of the plurality offirst services broadcast via the transition broadcast channel. A tunertunes to the transition broadcast channel. A decoder decodes theselected one of the plurality of first services on the tuned transitionbroadcast channel. Further, the selected one of the plurality of firstservices on the transition broadcast channel is output by a displayinterface for display.

Further, there is provided at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having instructions embedded therein, which, whenexecuted by at least one computer, causes the at least one computer toperform the methods of the distribution system and/or the receptionapparatus discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary broadcast system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary transition methodology;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate examples of broadcast spectrum usage;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the broadcast spectrum;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a distribution system;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a signal generator;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary protocol stack;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary reception apparatus;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary broadcasting method;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary reception method; and

FIG. 11 is an exemplary computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding thatthe disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example ofthe principles and not intended to limit the present disclosure to thespecific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, likereference numerals are used to describe the same, similar orcorresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, asused herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,and not necessarily mechanically. The term “program” or “computerprogram” or similar terms, as used herein, is defined as a sequence ofinstructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program”,or “computer program”, may include a subroutine, a program module, ascript, a function, a procedure, an object method, an objectimplementation, in an executable application, an applet, a servlet, asource code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load libraryand/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on acomputer system. The term “non-transitory”, as used herein, is alimitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) asopposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

The term “program”, as used herein, may also be used in a second context(the above definition being for the first context). In the secondcontext, the term is used in the sense of a “television program”. Inthis context, the term is used to mean any coherent sequence ofaudio/video content such as those which would be interpreted as andreported in an electronic program guide (EPG) as a single televisionprogram, without regard for whether the content is a movie, sportingevent, segment of a multi-part series, news broadcast, etc. The term mayalso be interpreted to encompass commercial spots and other program-likecontent which may not be reported as a program in an EPG.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certainembodiments”, “an embodiment”, “an implementation”, “an example” orsimilar terms means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, theappearances of such phrases or in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments withoutlimitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any ofthe following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to transitioning fromexisting services to new services such as next generation broadcasttelevision (NGBT) services. For example, some embodiments of thedisclosure are directed to transitioning to a NGBT service that is notcompatible with existing terrestrial broadcast services. In the case ofa non-backwards-compatible system, in one embodiment, the new NGBTservice provides improvements in performance, functionality, and/orefficiency to facilitate its implementation. The new NGBT serviceprovides new services such as mobile television, ultra-high-definitiontelevision (UHDTV) services, new audio and video codecs, more robustand/or efficient transmission methods, more operational modes,broadcaster control parameters, consumer control parameters,interactivity, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary terrestrial broadcast system 2 forproviding a plurality of first (e.g., NGBT) and second (e.g., existingbroadcast) services. The terrestrial broadcast system 2 includes atransition broadcast provider 10; broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b; areception apparatus 20; and a server 40. Although FIG. 1 illustrates onetransition broadcast provider 10; two broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b;one reception apparatus 20; and one server 40, it should be understoodthat any number of each may be included in the broadcast system 2.

The transition broadcast provider 10 broadcasts a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b ona transition broadcast channel. The plurality of different broadcastproviders 15 a, 15 b broadcast a plurality of second services on aplurality of different broadcast channels. For example, each of thetransition broadcast provider 10 and the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 bbroadcast respective services using a broadcast tower via a studio totransmitter link (STL).

In one embodiment, the first and second services provided by thetransition broadcast provider 10 and broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b,respectively, are television broadcast services that include one or moretelevision content, without regard to whether the content is a movie,sporting event, segment of a multi-part series, news broadcast, etc.Further, the first and second services may also include advertisements,infomercials, and other program-like content which may not be reportedas a program in an EPG.

The plurality of first services are broadcast using a first transmissionscheme such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and theplurality of second services are broadcast using a second transmissionscheme such as 8-level vestigial sideband modulation (8-VSB). However,any other combination of incompatible transmission schemes (i.e., notcapable of simultaneous broadcast on the same broadcast channel) may beused to transmit the plurality of first and second services. In oneembodiment, the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b broadcast digitaltelevision signals in accordance with standards set, for example, by theAdvanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) such as ATSC standard A/53,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Further, although the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b and the transitionbroadcast provider 10 are illustrated as each being associated with aseparate broadcast tower, contractual agreements may be made between anytwo or more of the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b and the transitionbroadcast provider 10. For example, broadcast provider 15 a may enterinto a contractual agreement with broadcast provider 15 b such that thebroadcast provider 15 b uses the same broadcast tower to provide its ownat least one second service on its broadcast channel and the pluralityof first services on the transition broadcast channel.

In one embodiment, the transition broadcast provider 10 and broadcastproviders 15 a, 15 b provide the plurality of first and second servicesvia terrestrial broadcasts. In the case of audio/video content, thecontent is compressed and broadcast using different transmissionschemes, as discussed above. For example, the audio/video content of theplurality of first and second services is divided into a videoelementary stream (ES) and an audio ES corresponding to the video andaudio portions of the content. The video ES and audio ES are multiplexedwith other data to form a broadcast multiplex, such as an MPEG-2Transport Stream (TS), MPEG Media Transport (MMT) or similar technologyin the case of the broadcast by the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b.Further, in one embodiment, the transition broadcast channel carries atransport (e.g., an MMT) or IP packets, which is different than thatbroadcast by the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b.

The reception apparatus 20 is configured to receive the plurality offirst services broadcast by the transition broadcast provider 10. Thereception apparatus 20 may optionally be configured to receive theplurality of second services broadcast by the broadcast provider 15 a,15 b or services from other sources. The plurality of second servicesare also provided to consumer devices that are not configured to receivethe plurality of first services (e.g., a television with a ATSC A/53receiver).

The reception apparatus 20 may be a mobile or fixed device. In oneembodiment, the reception apparatus 20 is a mobile device such as acellular phone, tablet, smart phone, portable computer, etc. due to theshorter upgrade cycles of these devices. However, fixed devices such astelevisions and set top boxes may also be configured to receive theplurality of first services.

The reception apparatus 20 is configured to connect to the Internet 30via a wireless or fixed connection. For example, when the receptionapparatus 20 is a mobile device, the reception apparatus 20 connects tothe Internet 30 via a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi connection. Whenthe reception apparatus 20 is a fixed device, the reception apparatus 20connects via an Ethernet connection, wireless connection, mobile dataconnection, etc.

In one embodiment, the reception apparatus 20 connects to the Internet30 to receive or send information based on one of the plurality of firstservices broadcast by the transition broadcast provider 10. For example,the reception apparatus 20 may make a purchase for advertised goods,contents, or services via the Internet 30, request additionalinformation related to the one of the plurality of first services,interface to a social network website based on instructions accompanyingthe one of the plurality of first services, etc. The reception apparatus20, in one embodiment, receives the information associated with the oneof the plurality of first services from at least one server 40. In otherembodiments, the server 40 may be provided by the transition broadcastprovider 10 or each separate broadcast provider 15 a, 15 b may provideits own server 40.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary transition plan for transitioning to aNGBT service that is not backwards compatible with one or more existingterrestrial broadcast services. In step S202, new equipment, includinghardware and/or software components, are developed for mobile devices.Although FIG. 2 is described with respect to mobile devices, thetransition plan is also applicable to fixed devices. In step S204,consumer electronics manufacturers target the mobile devices by rollingout new mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, smart phones, tablets,portable computers, etc.) with the newly developed hardware and/orsoftware components (e.g., a receiver that can receive NGBT services).Mobile devices are targeted in step S204 because consumers have atendency to phase out mobile devices in a shorter amount of time (e.g.,2-3 years). However, any other consumer devices, including fixeddevices, (e.g., laptop computers, televisions, etc.) may be targeted bythe consumer electronics manufacturers.

In step S206, the NGBT services are applied to a dedicated “transition”6 MHz spectrum. However, any other spectrum size may be implemented,such as a spectrum that is a multiple of 6 MHz, based on spectrumavailability. In one embodiment, the NGBT services broadcast in the 6MHz spectrum is a high-definition mobile service that is also receivableby fixed devices, with appropriate hardware/software.

In one embodiment, the transition broadcast channel is within the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band in a range of 470 MHz to 698 MHz to offerbetter reception by mobile devices. In another embodiment, thetransition broadcast channel is within a range of 470 MHz to 578 MHzbased on possible reallocation of broadcast spectrum to wirelessbroadband services. In a further embodiment, the transition broadcastchannel is placed adjacent to a channel used for another purpose (e.g.,wireless broadband), or between a television broadcast channel and thechannel used for another purpose, to reduce interference effects by, forexample, broadcasting the NGBT services at a power lower than existingbroadcast services. For example, the transition broadcast channel may bea 6 MHz channel from 578 to 584 MHz (i.e., channel 32) or 698 to 704 MHz(i.e., channel 52).

In other embodiments, the transition broadcast channel is allocatedwithin the very high frequency (VHF) band in a range of 54-88 MHz and/or174-216 MHz. The VHF band is used for the transition broadcast channelto, for example, allow the broadcast providers to perform the hardswitch in the UHF band, which allows for better signal penetration.

In step S208, the NGBT services are fit into, and broadcast on, newFederal Communications Commission (FCC) re-packed freed frequencies. Inone embodiment, step S208 requires requesting the FCC to save at leastone broadcast channel in the repack for use as a transition broadcastchannel.

In step S210, the broadcast providers provide the NGBT and existingterrestrial broadcast services such as services according to theAdvanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) A/53 and A/153 standards,which are incorporated herein by reference.

Subsequently, in step S212, the consumer electronics manufacturers startroll-out of fixed televisions with both ATSC A/53 and NGBT receivers fornew services such as UHDTV. The fixed televisions are configured todetermine whether NGBT or existing terrestrial broadcast services arebeing provided on a channel by channel basis.

In step S214. select broadcast providers start roll out of the NGBTservices such as fixed and mobile services (e.g., UHDTV) on the original6 MHz channels used to provide the existing television broadcastservices. In one embodiment, this roll out would be a hard switchdetermined by each individual broadcast provider. Time will be needed toallow market forces to work on the broadcast providers for thetransition.

In step S216, the market naturally phases out the ATSC A/53 receiverswith new NGBT receivers as more service providers switch to NGBTservices such as UHDTV.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example of broadcast spectrum usage whentransitioning to a NGBT service. In one embodiment, the broadcastchannels are consistent with the television broadcast channel allocationillustrated in FIG. 4. The broadcast channels may or may not occupy aportion of the broadcast spectrum between 578 MHz and 698 MHz based onwhether the FCC reallocates that frequency band for other uses such aswireless broadband.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of broadcast spectrum usage for existingdigital television broadcast services according to ATSC A/53. Thebroadcast spectrum includes unused broadcast channels 310 and occupiedbroadcast channels 320. The FCC is expected to reallocate portions ofthe existing broadcast spectrum available for existing televisionbroadcast services for other purposes, such as broadband services. Afterthis allocation (or repack), in a worst case scenario, no unusedbroadcast channels would be available in crowded markets. Accordingly,in one embodiment, at least one broadcast channel is allocated as atransition broadcast channel 330. The at least one transition broadcastchannel 330 may be assigned by a government entity such as the FCC ordetermined by the individual television broadcasters.

The at least one transition broadcast channel 330 may or may not haveenough capacity to concurrently carry a first service from each of thebroadcast providers in the same market. In one embodiment, each of theat least one broadcast channel 330 has sufficient capacity to carry sixdifferent first services. Depending on the embodiment, each of the sixdifferent first services are provided by a different broadcast provideror the same broadcast provider may provide two or more of the sixdifferent services. However, other numbers of services may be providedon the transition broadcast channel 330 based on bit rate requirements.

The at least one transition broadcast channel allows broadcast providers(e.g., broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b) to provide the plurality of firstand second services, concurrently, until the broadcast providers switchtheir own broadcasts to the plurality of first services. In oneembodiment, the broadcast providers include the same content in both thefirst and second services. In a further embodiment, the broadcastproviders include higher resolution content in the plurality of firstservices.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example where some of the broadcast providershave switched their own broadcast channels to broadcasting the pluralityof first services (e.g., broadcast channel 340). As broadcast providerstransition to broadcasting the plurality of first services, transitionbroadcast channel space is freed up for use by other broadcastproviders. If necessary, transition broadcast channel access by eachbroadcast provider may be prioritized based on a lottery, auction,business agreement between the various broadcast providers, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a distribution system 500 used by thetransition broadcast provider 10 to broadcast the plurality of firstservices in one embodiment. The distribution system 500 includes atleast one receiver (e.g., receivers 510 a-510 f, one for each firstservice) to receive the plurality of first services to be provided bythe distribution system 500. In other embodiments, one of the receivers510 a-510 f may be configured to receive two or more of the firstservices from one or more of the broadcast providers.

The receivers 510 a-510 f receive the plurality of first services fromat least two broadcast providers. In another embodiment, the receivers510 a-510 f receive the plurality of first services from at least onebroadcast provider. The receivers 510 a-510 f provide the receivedplurality of first services to a signal generator 520. The signalgenerator 520 generates a broadcast signal with the plurality of firstservices and provides the broadcast signal to a transmitter 530 forbroadcast to the reception apparatus 20.

In one embodiment, the signal generator 520 is an OFDM-based signalgenerator as illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an inputformatter 610 receives the plurality of first services from thereceivers 510 a-510 f. The input formatter 610 formats the IP packetsand/or transport streams associated with the plurality of received firstservices into packets of the same length for forward error correction(FEC). A coded modulator 620 modulates the signal and a structure 630performs framing output and signaling. A waveform generator 640subsequently performs an inverse fast fourier transfer (FFT) to generatethe OFDM-based signal.

In one embodiment, a controller 660 controls the operation of each ofthe input formatter 610, coded modulator 620, structure 630, andwaveform generator 640. Further, the controller 660 provides signalinginformation to the structure 630. The signaling information includes,for example, FFT size (e.g., 1024, 4096, 8192, 32768, etc.), framestructure (i.e., how much data is in the frame), FEC structure (e.g.,Low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding structure), modulation setting(e.g., 1024QAM, 256QAM), etc. The controller 660 may be a dedicatedcontroller for the signal generator 520 or implemented by a controllerof the reception apparatus 20.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary protocol stack for NGBT. In oneembodiment, the physical layer is implemented using OFDM and LDPC code.However, other encoding and/or error correction modes may be utilized.Applications of the protocol stack include a video presentation, asocial media interface, interactivity, ATSC 2.0, etc. For example, inone embodiment, the protocol stack provides a social media interface toshare content on Facebook that is being watched on the receptionapparatus 20. Broadcast content is sent via the user datagram protocol(UDP), which sends data one-way (no hand-shaking), and the social mediainterface is provided through the transmission control protocol (TCP)for hand-shaking acknowledgement of sent data, for example using MovingPicture Experts Group (MPEG) Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HypertextTransfer Protocol (DASH). MPEG DASH allows for dynamic control ofservice (video and audio) bit rate, which allows a smooth video to bemaintained when networks are congested.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the protocol stack includes a file deliveryunidirectional transport (FLUTE) as defined in RFC 392 for deliveringfiles in a transport, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. The protocol stack further includes short-term key messages(STKMs) and long-term key messages (LTKMs) used as keys for encryptedcontent, the real-time transport protocol (RTP) which provides real-timetransport of data, the real-time transport control protocol (RTCP) whichprovides out-of-band statistics and control information for an RTP flow,asynchronous layered coding (ALC) which allows for asynchronous stuffingof data into a datagram (e.g., UDP), high efficiency video coding (HEVC)for video and/or audio coding. The hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) isused mainly in Internet access; the ATSC 2.0/Service Guides are tablelistings of content; captioning/subtitling are text fragments describingvideo content; and media codecs are HEVC, object-oriented audio coding,etc. to be used in either broadcast or broadband connections.Application is the presentation of data to the display device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the reception apparatus 20. Thereception apparatus 20 is, or is integrated or an add-on component to, amobile device such as a cellular phone, tablet, smart phone, portablecomputer, etc. In other embodiments, the reception apparatus 20 is afixed device such as a digital television receiver device that isincorporated into a television set, a set top box, or any other fixeddevice configured to receive television content.

The reception apparatus 20 includes a tuner 802, which is configured totune to different broadcast channels and receive the plurality of firstservices broadcast by the transition broadcast provider 10 via aterrestrial broadcast. The reception apparatus 20 is optionallyconfigured to tune to and receive the plurality of second servicesbroadcast by the broadcast providers 15 a, 15 b.

In one embodiment, the tuner 802 provides a broadcast signal receivedover a currently tuned broadcast channel to a receiver 806. The receiver806 extracts audio and video (A/V) streams from a selected one of theplurality of first services. In one embodiment, the receiver 806 is anOFDM-based receiver. However, the receiver 806 may be configured toprocess other signal types such as an NGBT signal or other broadcastsignal of a type different from the signal broadcast by the broadcastproviders 15 a, 15 b. The audio is decoded by an audio decoder 810 andthe video is decoded by a video decoder 814. Further, uncompressed A/Vdata may be received via an uncompressed A/V interface (e.g., a HDMIinterface). In one embodiment, the uncompressed A/V interface is onlyprovided when the reception apparatus 20 is a fixed device.

The broadcast signal includes supplemental data such as one or acombination of closed caption data, EPG data, interactive content, ATSC2.0 content, software applications, a social media interface, emergencyservices, accessibility data, etc. The supplemental data are separatedout by the receiver 806. However, the supplemental data may be receivedvia the Internet 30 and a network interface 826. The network interface826 includes one or a combination of wired and wireless interfaces(e.g., an Ethernet interface, cellular data network interface, etc.) Astorage unit 830 is provided to store non-real time orInternet-delivered content such as the supplemental data.

The reception apparatus 20 generally operates under control of at leastone processor, such as CPU 838, which is coupled to a working memory840, program memory 842, and a graphics subsystem 844 via one or morebuses (e.g., bus 850). The CPU 838 receives closed caption data from thereceiver 806 as well as any other supplemental data used for renderinggraphics, and passes appropriate instructions and data to the graphicssubsystem 844. The graphics outputted by the graphics subsystem 844 arecombined with video images by the compositor and video interface 860 toproduce an output suitable for display on a video display.

Further, the CPU 838 operates to carry out functions of the receptionapparatus 20 including the processing of the supplemental data (e.g.,interactivity, social media interfacing, etc.) and based on user inputsreceived from an input interface 852.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 8, the CPU 838 may be coupled to anyone or a combination of the reception apparatus 20 resources tocentralize control of one or more functions. In one embodiment, the CPU838 also operates to oversee control of the reception apparatus 20including the tuner 802 and other television resources.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary broadcasting method. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, at least one receiver in a distribution system ofthe transition broadcast provider 10 receives a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers in step S902.The plurality of first services are provided to the transition broadcastprovider 10 via any one or a combination of communication means such asmicrowave transmissions (e.g., satellite or terrestrial), the Internet,a dedicated wired connection, cable television, shipping storage mediacontaining the first service, etc.

In step S904, a broadcast signal including the plurality of firstservices is generated by a signal generator in the distribution system.In step S906, a transmitter broadcasts the plurality of services over atransition broadcast channel.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary reception method. In stepS1002, the reception apparatus 20 receives, via an input interface(e.g., a touch screen, remote control receiver, etc.) a selection of oneof a plurality of first services broadcast via a transition broadcastchannel. In step S1004, the reception apparatus 20 tunes to thetransition broadcast channel. In step S1006, the reception apparatus 20decodes the selected one of the plurality of first services on the tunedtransition broadcast channel. In step S1008, the reception apparatus 20outputs the selected one of the plurality of first services on thetransition broadcast channel for display.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardwareconfiguration of a computer 1100 that can be configured to function as,or incorporate, any one or a combination of the distribution system forthe transition broadcast provider 10; distribution system for thebroadcast providers 15 a, 15 b; reception apparatus 20; and server 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the computer 1100 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 1102, read only memory (ROM) 1104, and a randomaccess memory (RAM) 1106 interconnected to each other via one or morebuses 1108. The one or more buses 1108 are further connected with aninput-output interface 1110. The input-output interface 1110 isconnected with an input portion 1112 formed by a keyboard, a mouse, amicrophone, remote controller, etc. The input-output interface 1110 isalso connected to an output portion 1114 formed by an audio interface,video interface, display, speaker, etc.; a recording portion 1116 formedby a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc.; a communication portion1118 formed by a network interface, modem, USB interface, fire wireinterface, etc.; and a drive 1120 for driving removable media 1122 suchas a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, asemiconductor memory, etc.

According to one embodiment, the CPU 1102 loads a program stored in therecording portion 1116 into the RAM 1106 via the input-output interface1110 and the bus 1108, and then executes a program configured to providethe functionality of the one or combination of the distribution systemfor the transition broadcast provider 10; distribution system for thebroadcast providers 15 a, 15 b; reception apparatus 20; and server 40.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed withrespect to transitioning services for terrestrial broadcast channels,more particularly television broadcast channels, use of a transitionchannel is equally applicable to radio station broadcasts (e.g., whentransitioning to a new service that includes picture content), satellitebroadcasts, and any other communication method in which transmissioncapacity is limited.

The various processes discussed above need not be processedchronologically and/or in the sequence depicted as flowcharts; the stepsmay also include those processed in parallel or individually (e.g., inparalleled or object-oriented fashion).

Also, the programs may be processed by a single computer or by aplurality of computers on a distributed basis. The programs may also betransferred to a remote computer or computers for execution.

Furthermore, in this specification, the term “system” means an aggregateof a plurality of component elements (apparatuses, modules (parts),etc.). All component elements may or may not be housed in a singleenclosure. Therefore, a plurality of apparatuses each housed in aseparate enclosure and connected via a network are considered a network,and a single apparatus formed by a plurality of modules housed in asingle enclosure are also regarded as a system.

Also, it should be understood that this technology when embodied is notlimited to the above-described embodiments and that variousmodifications, variations and alternatives may be made of thistechnology so far as they are within the spirit and scope thereof.

For example, this technology may be structured for cloud computingwhereby a single function is shared and processed in collaboration amonga plurality of apparatuses via a network.

Also, each of the steps explained in reference to the above-describedflowcharts may be executed not only by a single apparatus but also by aplurality of apparatuses in a shared manner.

Furthermore, if one step includes a plurality of processes, theseprocesses included in the step may be performed not only by a singleapparatus but also by a plurality of apparatuses in a shared manner.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the presentdisclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

The above disclosure also encompasses the embodiments noted below.

(1) A distribution system configured to broadcast a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels, the system includingat least one receiver configured to receive the plurality of firstservices from the plurality of different broadcast providers; and atransmitter configured to broadcast the plurality of first services overthe transition broadcast channel.

(2) The distribution system of feature (1), further including a signalgenerator configured to generate an orthogonal frequency-divisionmultiplexing (OFDM)-based signal including the plurality of firstservices from the plurality of different broadcast providers, in whichthe transmitter is configured to broadcast the OFDM-based signal.

(3) The distribution system of feature (1) or (2), in which theplurality of first and second services include television programs, andthe transmitter is configured to broadcast at least one televisionprogram that is the same as a television program broadcast by one of theplurality of different broadcast providers.

(4) The distribution system of feature (3), in which the resolution ofthe television program broadcast by the transmitter is greater than theresolution of the television program broadcast by the one of theplurality of different broadcast providers.

(5) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (4), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within arange of 470 MHz to 698 MHz.

(6) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (5), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within arange of 470 MHz to 578 MHz.

(7) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (6), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel that includes firstservices from six different digital television broadcast providers.

(8) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (7), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel from 578 to 584 MHz or698 to 704 MHz.

(9) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (8), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel thatis specified by a contractual agreement between the plurality differentbroadcast providers.

(10) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (9), in which thetransition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel thatis specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as atransition broadcast channel to be shared between the plurality ofdifferent broadcast providers.

(11) The distribution system of any of features (1) to (10), in whichthe plurality of different broadcast providers are digital televisionbroadcast providers that broadcast the digital television content overthe plurality of different television channels using an 8-levelvestigial sideband modulation (8-VSB) modulation method, and thetransmitter is configured to broadcast the plurality of first servicesover the transition broadcast channel using a modulation methoddifferent from the 8-VSB modulation method.

(12) A reception apparatus configured to receive a plurality of firstservices from a plurality of different broadcast providers, whichbroadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of differentbroadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is differentfrom the plurality of different broadcast channels, the receptionapparatus including an input interface configured to receive a selectionof one of the plurality of first services broadcast via the transitionbroadcast channel; a tuner configured to tune to the transitionbroadcast channel; a decoder configured to decode the selected one ofthe plurality of first services on the tuned transition broadcastchannel; and a display interface configured to output the selected oneof the plurality of first services on the transition broadcast channelfor display.

(13) The reception apparatus of feature (12), in which the receptionapparatus is a mobile device.

(14) The reception apparatus of feature (12) or (13), in which thereception apparatus is a cellular phone, a tablet, a portable computer,or a smart phone.

(15) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (14), furtherincluding an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-baseddecoder configured to decode an OFDM-based signal including theplurality of first services and carried on the transition broadcastchannel.

(16) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (15), furtherincluding a communication interface configured to access a computernetwork based on information included in the selected one of the atleast one of the plurality of first services.

(17) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (16), in whichthe plurality of first and second services include television programs,and the tuner is configured to receive a television program that is thesame as a television program broadcast by one of a plurality ofdifferent digital television broadcast providers.

(18) The reception apparatus of feature (17), in which the resolution ofthe television program broadcast by the transmitter is greater than theresolution of the television program broadcast by the one of theplurality of different digital television broadcast providers.

(19) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (18), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel withina range of 470 MHz to 698 MHz.

(20) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (19), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel withina range of 470 MHz to 578 MHz.

(21) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (20), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel that includes theplurality of first services from six different digital televisionbroadcast providers.

(22) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (21), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel from 578 to 584 MHzor 698 to 704 MHz.

(23) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (22), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channelthat is specified by a contractual agreement between the pluralitydifferent broadcast providers.

(24) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (23), in whichthe transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channelthat is specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as atransition broadcast channel to be shared between the plurality ofdifferent broadcast providers.

(25) The reception apparatus of any of features (12) to (24), in whichthe plurality of different broadcast providers are digital televisionbroadcast providers that broadcast the digital television content overthe plurality of different television channels using an 8-levelvestigial sideband modulation (8-VSB) modulation method, and the tuneris configured to receive the plurality of first services broadcast overthe transition broadcast channel using a modulation method differentfrom the 8-VSB modulation method.

(26) A method of a distribution system configured to broadcast aplurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcastproviders, which broadcast a plurality of second services over aplurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcastchannel that is different from the plurality of different broadcastchannels, the method including receiving, by at least one receiver, theplurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcastproviders; and broadcasting, by a transmitter, the plurality of firstservices over the transition broadcast channel.

(27) A method of a reception apparatus configured to receive a pluralityof first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers,which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality ofdifferent broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that isdifferent from the plurality of different broadcast channels, the methodincluding receiving, by an input interface, a selection of one of theplurality of first services broadcast via the transition broadcastchannel; tuning, by a tuner, to the transition broadcast channel;decoding, by a decoder, the selected one of the plurality of firstservices on the tuned transition broadcast channel; and outputting, by adisplay interface, the selected one of the plurality of first serviceson the transition broadcast channel for display.

1. A distribution system configured to broadcast a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels, the system comprising: at least one receiver configured to receive the plurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcast providers; and a transmitter configured to broadcast the plurality of first services over the transition broadcast channel.
 2. The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: a signal generator configured to generate an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)-based signal including the plurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcast providers, wherein the transmitter is configured to broadcast the OFDM-based signal.
 3. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second services include television programs, and the transmitter is configured to broadcast at least one television program that is the same as a television program broadcast by one of the plurality of different broadcast providers.
 4. The distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the resolution of the television program broadcast by the transmitter is greater than the resolution of the television program broadcast by the one of the plurality of different broadcast providers.
 5. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within a range of 470 MHz to 698 MHz.
 6. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within a range of 470 MHz to 578 MHz.
 7. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel that includes first services from six different digital television broadcast providers.
 8. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel from 578 to 584 MHz or 698 to 704 MHz.
 9. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel that is specified by a contractual agreement between the plurality different broadcast providers.
 10. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel that is specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a transition broadcast channel to be shared between the plurality of different broadcast providers.
 11. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of broadcast providers are digital television broadcast providers that broadcast the digital television content over the plurality of different television channels using an 8-level vestigial sideband modulation (8-VSB) modulation method, and the transmitter is configured to broadcast the plurality of first services over the transition broadcast channel using a modulation method different from the 8-VSB modulation method.
 12. A reception apparatus configured to receive a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels, the reception apparatus comprising: an input interface configured to receive a selection of one of the plurality of first services broadcast via the transition broadcast channel; a tuner configured to tune to the transition broadcast channel; a decoder configured to decode the selected one of the plurality of first services on the tuned transition broadcast channel; and a display interface configured to output the selected one of the plurality of first services on the transition broadcast channel for display.
 13. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the reception apparatus is a mobile device.
 14. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the reception apparatus is a cellular phone, a tablet, a portable computer, or a smart phone.
 15. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based decoder configured to decode an OFDM-based signal including the plurality of first services and carried on the transition broadcast channel.
 16. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: a communication interface configured to access a computer network based on information included in the selected one of the at least one of the plurality of first services.
 17. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of first and second services include television programs, and the tuner is configured to receive a television program that is the same as a television program broadcast by one of a plurality of different digital television broadcast providers.
 18. The reception apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the resolution of the television program broadcast by the transmitter is greater than the resolution of the television program broadcast by the one of the plurality of different digital television broadcast providers.
 19. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within a range of 470 MHz to 698 MHz.
 20. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a multiple of a 6 MHz channel within a range of 470 MHz to 578 MHz.
 21. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel that includes the plurality of first services from six different digital television broadcast providers.
 22. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a 6 MHz channel from 578 to 584 MHz or 698 to 704 MHz.
 23. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel that is specified by a contractual agreement between the plurality different broadcast providers.
 24. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transition broadcast channel is a predetermined television channel that is specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a transition broadcast channel to be shared between the plurality of different broadcast providers.
 25. The reception apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of broadcast providers are digital television broadcast providers that broadcast the digital television content over the plurality of different television channels using an 8-level vestigial sideband modulation (8-VSB) modulation method, and the tuner is configured to receive the plurality of first services broadcast over the transition broadcast channel using a modulation method different from the 8-VSB modulation method.
 26. A method of a distribution system configured to broadcast a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels, the method comprising: receiving, by at least one receiver, the plurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcast providers; and broadcasting, by a transmitter, the plurality of first services over the transition broadcast channel.
 27. A method of a reception apparatus configured to receive a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels, the method comprising: receiving, by an input interface, a selection of one of the plurality of first services broadcast via the transition broadcast channel; tuning, by a tuner, to the transition broadcast channel; decoding, by a decoder, the selected one of the plurality of first services on the tuned transition broadcast channel; and outputting, by a display interface, the selected one of the plurality of first services on the transition broadcast channel for display. 